Hello everyone; in this blog, I will write about 3 perspectives on religious discrimination.
The first is Aunt Suzy, who lives in a very conservative part of The United States. The second one will be about Mr. Takahashi, that lives in Japan, where religion is not much of an issue. The last perspective will be about Pastor Christine Lee from Scarborough Chinese Baptist Church.
【Aunt Suzy】
As I walked up the driveway, I saw my dear niece approaching. I greeted them with a warm smile, inviting them into my home. I was well aware that I lived in a conservative part of the United States and that my views on religion were often narrow. My faith in Christianity had always been a cornerstone of my life, providing comfort and guidance.
Sitting in my living room, surrounded by symbols of my faith, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and security. My niece, from a different religious background, sat opposite me, and I couldn't help but wonder how our conversation would unfold. I knew I had a different perspective and wanted to approach the discussion openly.
As we began talking, my passion for Christianity shone through. I spoke about my personal experiences and my faith's profound impact. I expressed my unwavering belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ and the importance of salvation through Him. My niece listened attentively, respecting my beliefs and acknowledging the significance of Christianity in my life.
However, as they began sharing their experiences and beliefs, I felt a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. Their words challenged my narrow view, but I knew it was important to listen and understand. They spoke about the values shared across various religions−love, compassion, and understanding. They emphasized the importance of respecting and learning from diverse belief systems.
At first, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. The unfamiliarity of other religions and the fear of diluting my faith made me skeptical. But as I saw the genuine curiosity and the desire to bridge the gap between our perspectives, I began to open up. I asked questions, seeking to understand their viewpoint and learn more about their experiences.
Throughout our conversation, they shared stories of people that had met from different religious backgrounds who had left a lasting impression. They spoke about the kindness and wisdom they encountered, despite the differences in faith, I found myself drawn to these stories, realizing that they highlighted the shared values at the core of our humanity.
As the conversation continued, my initial skepticism gave way to a newfound understanding. I began to reflect on my beliefs, contemplating the possibility of a broader spiritual understanding. I recognized the importance of tolerance and embracing diversity, even within my community.
By the end of our conversation, I felt grateful for the opportunity to engage in such an open dialogue. I admitted that my preconceived notions had limited my understanding of other religions. I expressed a sincere desire to explore and learn more about different faiths, seeking to expand my own knowledge and deepen my appreciation for the diversity of beliefs that exist.
【Mr. Takahashi】
As I went about my daily life in Japan, religion had always seemed like a distant concept. Living in a predominantly secular society, I had never thought much about faith or spirituality. However, a series of events would soon challenge my perspective and introduce me to the world of religion in a profound way.
One sunny afternoon, I was drawn to a gathering near a park. Curiosity led me to join the crowd, and to my surprise, it turned out to be a religious gathering. People of different faiths had come together, sharing their beliefs and engaging in peaceful discussions. I was captivated by the diverse expressions of spirituality in front of me.
Intrigued by this newfound world, I decided to embark on a personal journey of exploration. I started reading books on various religions, attending lectures, and visiting religious sites across Japan. My thirst for knowledge and understanding grew with each passing day.
I began by immersing myself in Buddhism, a faith deeply rooted in Japanese culture. I delved into its teachings, studying the concepts of compassion, mindfulness, and the pursuit of enlightenment. Visiting serene temples and participating in meditation sessions, I felt a profound sense of tranquility, and introspection wash over me.
As my exploration continued, I turned my attention to Shintoism, the indigenous faith of Japan. I marveled at the intricate rituals and vibrant celebrations at sacred shrines. Witnessing the harmonious relationship between humans and nature within this belief system, I developed a newfound appreciation for the interconnectedness of all things.
Throughout this transformative journey, my perception of religion underwent a profound shift. I realized that religion was not just a set of dogmas and rituals but a profound expression of humanity's search for meaning and connection. I discovered that despite the diverse practices and beliefs, there were common threads of love, compassion, and a hearing for spiritual fulfillment that bound us all together.
【Christine Lee from Scarborough Chinese Baptist Church】
I think the most fundamental aspect of the Christian faith is that God created the world and made us in His image to be like Him. However, we sinned, so someone had to pay for our sins because God is just. Therefore, God sent His son Jesus who was perfect and sinless, to die on the cross for us. If we believe that this is true, then we can be saved and perfect, and we can have eternal life. That is the most fundamental aspect and is basically what Christianity is all about.
I want others to know that God is very living and real. Christianity is not just like another one of the world religions. We believe that Jesus is the only way, and that is what I want people to know. He is very alive, He speaks to me, and I honestly feel guided. We believe there's a Holy Spirit inside of us that I can speak to which tells us what to do. It's a living relationship where I can speak to God and pray to Him, and I know He loves me and guides me through life. The personal relationship you can have with God is something I want people to know about.
I was especially fascinated by the "Aunt Suzy" perspective. It is my hope, like Aunt Suzy, others with rather rigid and strident belief systems can open themselves up to other points of view and not think that only they could be right. The insistence that there is only one "right" way is at the heart of a lot of discord and trouble in the world, including in the divisive American political scene, that has been distorted by people with intolerant religious beliefs that they want to impose upon others.
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